Masami Yoshioka’s solo exhibition was held at Steps Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo from June 22, 2016 to July 2, 2016. A spectacular tape installation and new wooden panel works from his Secret Memory series were displayed. Here are images of his works from the solo exhibition.

Here are some fascinating new artworks by Italian digital artist Dorian Rex. Her artworks brilliantly combine the unique features of ancient art and the digital features of contemporary art. Each of Dorian’s photo manipulations is one-of-a-kind with no copies produced. These important artworks are about light, new life, evolution and mystery. Dorian’s wishes to improve herself and her desire to be recognized by people are beautifully expressed in these artworks.

We spoke with artist Masami Yoshioka regarding his recent works. He will be exhibiting a tape installation and wooden panel artworks from his “Secret Memory” series for his upcoming solo exhibition in June 2016 at Steps Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo. The colors for the wooden panel artworks will be finalized after ultimately applying three layers. The portrait wood-block printing hangas are rare; Yoshioka created them 20 years ago, and they will be exhibited at the “Art Cocktail 2016” exhibition at Steps Gallery in April 2016.

Rupert Piggott’s new series, “POLYCHROMATIC VISIONS”, aims to explore the use of color and not use representational elements to create compositions. Following are several exquisite artworks from this series.

Images above and below: “P.V., Non-ID-000369” (including images of materials used for this artwork), 2015, by Rupert Piggott

Acrylic paint ‘chips’ were used for this artwork. In the process of completing artworks, Rupert is often left with unused paint. This dried paint was collected from his palette, combined into cubes with resin, and mounted on a wooden panel with a final coat of resin.

Image below: “P.V., Non-ID-000639”, 2015, by Rupert Piggott

These panels, each painted individually and coated with resin, can be displayed with different spacing arrangements, which change the feel of them collectively, and the space between each panel becomes part of the composition. They can also be hung horizontally, and can also be shuffled around, creating entirely different compositions. The panels are 5 inches x 72 inches and can be produced in a variety of sizes.

The themes of each of my artworks have changed over the years. However, recently I discovered that there is one theme that remains unchanged among those themes: It is “life and death”.

What do you like the most about your artworks? I understand that you draw while travelling; where is your favorite destination to travel?

What I like the most about my artworks is, when I have an artwork or a part of an artwork that expresses the color of “light” to my satisfaction. When travelling both international and domestic, I am attracted to waterside scenery.

*Image: Photo of Noriko Nagano painting her artwork.

What type of medium do you often use? Why do you like such medium?

I paint most of my artworks on washi paper. Washi itself is a beautiful artwork, and I also use other rich mediums such as watercolor and mineral pigments.

Can you tell us what type of artworks you are currently working on?

I am painting memories that anyone may have, on top of scenery that can be seen anywhere.

Where and when do you like to produce your artworks?

I produce my artworks at my studio in Shonan. I like to produce my artworks in the middle of the day on a sunny day, when I can distinguish the delicate differences of lightness among light colors.

Do you have a message to our readers?

I hope to produce artworks that will enable the viewers to relate to their own emotions when they see my paintings.

Presently, I spend most of my time on commissions, which allow me to fund other works. I am also producing new works with resin, Perspex and some works with torn and ripped canvas.

How do you like to work? Do you like to produce artworks at a particular place or time?

I work mostly at my studio, and work any time: day or night. Recently, I have done a few “Artist in action” live paintings for one of our local galleries here in Barbados.

Do you think your artworks have changed over the years, and if so, how and why?

Yes, my works have changed over the years. Mostly the changes have happened as a result of life experiences and my growth spiritually. Additionally, I feel that my creativity and inspiration develops with the discovery and use of unusual materials and techniques. Materials I have used or experimented with are mostly for creating a texture, such as artworks using sand, card and wood chips, fiberglass fibers and coconut fiber, tree branches and gold leaf. Also, an unusual technique I have used is, instead of finishing with varnish I used it as a medium.

What are your goals as an artist? What would you like to accomplish?

I have three goals:

Firstly, constant reinvention and production of quality works;

Secondly, to produce an exhibition in Japan; and

Thirdly, a long term goal I have is: I have been seeking investors to assist with providing a home for our national art collection in Barbados; I envision that this space would also have a gallery and studio spaces for artists of all genres and nationalities.

Here are some fascinating artworks by Italian digital artist Dorian Rex. Her artworks brilliantly combine the unique features of ancient art and the digital features of contemporary art. Each of Dorian’s photo manipulations is one-of-a-kind with no copies produced.

Normally, I work in my studio, which is on the ground floor of my house. It’s the place where I work practically all year. But in the summer, I also like working outdoors, in the terrace. It’s very nice working with natural light, without electric lights; and in the hottest days, it’s very pleasantly cool.
I don’t have a favorite time to paint, but I usually always paint by the afternoon, and until 9:30 PM.

*Image: Photo of José Antonio Sorolla Gallén’s studio.

Where do you think your inspiration comes from?

About the inspiration, I believe more in the constancy in work than inspiration. If the artist works regularly, it is easier for inspiration to come.
Other times a visual inspiration can strongly seize me. For example I remember how I was captured (especially by the color) when I saw the lifeguards on the beach, with flags waving in the wind (the “Flags” series was born here).
My favorite beach is Benicàssim, perhaps because I visited there for many years.
Also, normally, I like to have the opinion of my family. I always ask them. I’m very critical with my work and I’m always doubting.

*Image: Photo of José Antonio Sorolla Gallén’s studio.

Where would you say you are currently, and what are your goals for the year 2015?

I think that 2014 has been a very positive year for my art. Due to my type of paint, I don’t make too many paintings a year. I’m finishing some works from my current series, some of which I had begun a year ago. I want to return to the landscape, but in large formats (I think these works can become somewhat special landscapes.) For 2015, I want to work at my best, quietly, unhurried.

Do you have a message to our readers?

I would be very glad if my work appeals to people. After finishing the paintings, if they connect with people, it would be perfect.